Food Blogging | DIY Food Photography Boards

Posted By Savita ChefDeHome

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I promised to share a complete post on Food Photography Boards Designs. Today, I searched pictures from my old archive to share this easy and cost-effective way to build Photography Boards at home.

I clearly remember, when few years ago, Vishal insisted me to get my camera and take pictures of him designing these boards for me. I told him many times, I'm never gonna use these pictures! Let's pass. Since he kept insisting, I grabbed my camera and took some random clicks. I give it to him big-time for his farsightedness..... when I shared last post of Food Styling Props, I really felt the need of DIY Food Boards post and immediately remembered those pictures!

Yesterday, I scanned through a big pile of old pictures to find these for this post. Yes, yes..... I never cared to name these pictures earlier (lazy me ;))...... so, search was bit laborious and there was that big moment of "hurrah" when I finally found them! phew! or I would have simply skipped this post.

I'm sharing two simple DIY photography boards here. Initially, I wanted to share three designs...... two of the shown boards I still have and one we lost during a recent apartment shift. So, I have cut my post to two designs. I'm sure this post will give you enough idea to make many more designs at home.

So, let's get started. Some basic tips and then generic photo tutorial.

Food boards are assets for delicious food photography. One tone or neutral colored boards can help you create a realistic picture scene. The most common colors of boards are:

1. Sand the wooden planks using sanding papers for smooth the roughness (if any). Coat the wood planks with single coat of Wood Oil and leave to dry for 1 hour or as per instructions on the Oil Can. It should be dry to touch. Number of planks vary based on width of board desired. I have used 8 planks on each side. 16 of total planks.

3. Two tones need two coat of paint: For side (A), on first eight of 16 oiled planks;

a) Coat a single layer of turquoise (lite color) on wood planks. Use a rather dry stoke than a full-wet coat to create a rustic and worn-out paint look, leaving wood peeking through the paint at certain places. Let it dry fully. b) Then, following similar pattern apply a coat of blueberry paint (darker color).

4. Leave colored planks aside to dry while your work on other side of the board.

5. Arrange the dried pink planks (side b) up-side down. Put a generous amount of wood glue on top. Place blue planks (side a) on top making a cross-hatch for better grip and cohesion. Take your time. Try to be precise arranging planks in straight line.

6. Place some weight on board and leave to dry until fully bonded. While waiting for boards to dry, I used leftover paint for coloring some old wooden coasters. :) Just for fun!

You are ready and one step closer to click some delicious looking pictures!!

This one is simple board for which I have used a single-sheet hobby board 4 feet long X 2 feet wide. Painted with leftover colors, and then used strokes of paint to make pattern-board.

A pretty simple design yet this one can really add a lot grace to your pictures.

Above Picture showcase - Ad-hoc multi-colored board which we just designed in above steps.

Tips/Takeaways:

1. Painting a two-sided board helps in easy storage because it is simply two-boards-in-one!2. Once you have clicked enough pictures on one kind of board. Consider re-painting your less-favorite side with a new color for a fresh set of pictures.3. For more worn-out look, control-burn part of wood with blow-torch before applying the oil. This will give very authentic rustic look to your photography backgrounds.4. Last but not the least, DIY boards are easy on pocket too! So, don't break the bank and get ready to impress masses with your creative photography.

I hope this post will help you design some awesome boards at home and help reach one step closer to your goal of Mouthwatering Food Photography.

Here is the list of my Previous Posts in Food Blogging and Food Photography series:

What a coincidence Savita...I bought all the required stuff almost 2 months back and they r lying in the garage...painted a few and left them half way through:)...Never managed to finish because of lack of time:)...Now I can also refer to your post:)...Thanks for sharing dear:)

Hi Savita , First time in your space... Just added you to my google circle too... That's a lovely share.. I love painting my boards..all the time...
Guess its tutorial time in air. I have posted on shooting on white background only yesterday...

Savita

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sandhya, thanks for follow on G+ and I'm glad you like this post. I really didn't know, it is tutorial-time everywhere :) I just love sharing what I learn and use for blogging! Thanks for stopping by. Happy connecting with you.

What a fantastic post dear Savita. Knowing very well I need a board but not knowing what might be the most economical way to get it I have been wondering all these days. Thank you for this awesome share. Two-sided board is such a brilliant idea.

Savita

Monday, April 20, 2015

Anupama, thanks dear. Glad you like this post. Took me sometime to put together, but it's rewarding to see every one will benefit from it :)